Landlord / Tenant refers to the relationship between (1) the owner or lessor (landlord) of residential or commercial real property known as the leased premises and (2) the occupant or lessee (the tenant) of the leased premises—often a home or office building or space. This relationship is defined by the (usually written) lease agreement signed by the landlord and tenant, and the laws governing the landlord / tenant relationship—which are usually located in a state’s statutes.

A residential or commercial lease of real property (real estate) allows the tenant or lessee to use the property and the improvements on the property—generally a building structure such as a home, office, store, or warehouse, for example—for a stated purpose (such as for a residential dwelling or the operation of a hair salon) and for a fixed period of time (the term of the lease), in exchange for the payment of rent.

Personal property—including automobiles, computers, heavy equipment, machines, home appliances, and other tangible, movable goods—may also be leased, but the parties to a lease of personal property (as opposed to real property) are not referred to as landlord and tenant, but as lessor and lessee.

In California, the landlord-tenant relationship is governed by state statutes that outline the rights and responsibilities of both parties. These laws cover various aspects of the relationship, including the terms of the lease agreement, the payment of rent, the maintenance of the property, and the procedures for addressing disputes. The lease agreement, which is typically in written form, specifies the use of the property, the duration of the lease, and the amount of rent to be paid. California law requires landlords to provide habitable living conditions and allows tenants certain protections, such as the right to withhold rent under specific circumstances or the right to 'repair and deduct' if the landlord fails to make necessary repairs. Security deposit limits, notice requirements for rent increases and evictions, and other tenant rights are also regulated by state law. It's important to note that while residential and commercial leases share similarities, there are distinct legal considerations for each, and California has specific statutes that address commercial tenancies separately from residential ones. An attorney specializing in landlord-tenant law can provide detailed guidance on the nuances of these regulations.